It is believed that visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas in India washes away all sins from past lives. If a person cannot visit the Jyotirlingas, they can recite the names of the 12 Jyotirlingas every morning and evening. By doing this regularly, they will receive the blessings from Shiva. A Jyotirlinga or Jyotirlingam is a religious symbol of the supreme God Shiva. The word is a combination of Jyoti, means ‘light,’ and lingam, the ‘icon or sign’ of Shiva. Therefore, Jyotirlinga means the radiant symbol of Shiva, the Supreme God. Are you contemplating a visit to the 12 Jyotirlinga in India this year? Then you should read this article. Upon reading this thoroughly, you will gain sufficient information about the Jyotirlinga, including its location, timing, name, and many other details.

List of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India

1. Somnath 

Somnath is recognized as the first and foremost of all Jyotirlingas in the Jyotirlinga temples list. A masterpiece built in the Chalukya style of temple architecture, Somnath is among the most revered pilgrimage sites in the country.  It is believed that the prime Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple was constructed by the moon in pure gold and later renewed by Ravana in silver. Thereafter, it was built by Krishna in sandalwood and lastly by Bhimadeva in stone. Mahmud Ghazni, a ruler of the Turkic dynasty, invaded the temple several times to plunder the gold. Legend: The temple is named after the Moon, known as Soma. According to the Shiva Purana, Soma married the 27 daughters of Daksha but neglected them. His father-in-law, Daksha, thus cursed him that he will lose his luster and beauty. To get rid of the curse, Soma worshipped Shiva, and his prayer was granted. Since then, it’s called Somnath, which means the ‘lord of the moon’.

• Temple Location: Somnath Mandir Road, Veraval, Gujarat- 362268
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (6 am–10 pm)
• Nearest Airport: Diu Airport (80 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station (6 Km)

2. Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna

Popularly known as Kashi of the South, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is the combined form of both Shiva and Parvati as per Shiv Puran. The word Mallika introduces Goddess Parvati, and Arjun refers to God Shiva. Mallikarjuna is one of the popular Jyotirlingas in India among the twelve.  The temple is located in the Nallamala hill forests along the banks of the Krishna River. The temple boasts stunning architecture and carvings, the colored pillars known as gopurams, and the mukha mandapa hall. The temple is also called the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple. Legend: According to the Shiva Puran, Shiva and Parvati came here to appease their angry elder son, Kartikeya, because his younger brother, Ganesha, was getting married before him. But he didn’t listen to them. However, Shiva and Parvati stayed there with the names Arjun and Mallika. Since then, the mammoth, fort-like temple has featured Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bharmaramba Devi as its main deities.

• Temple Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh – 528101
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (4:30 am–4:30 pm, 5:30–10 pm)
• Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (200 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Markapur Road (84 km)

Dive into the full story of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga—click to know more!

3. Mahakaleshwar 

In India, Mahakaleshwar is one of the most sacred of the 12 Jyotirlingas, attracting thousands of devotees daily. Mahakaal is an avatar of Lord Shiva who is widely revered by the devotees of Lord Shiva worldwide and is worshiped at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. The word Mahakaal is a combination of two words, Maha (virtue of Lord Shiva) and Kaal (time). The virtue of Lord Shiva is believed to be greater than time itself, and the theory of mortality and time does not affect him. The Mahakaleshwar shrine is believed to have been established by a five-year-old boy named Srikar. This temple is home to the only Swayambhu Jyotirlinga, representing Shiva as the eternal soul with no creator above him. Lord Mahakaal blesses and protects pure souls from harm and evil. Legend: According to the Shiv Puran, when Daksha, Sati’s father, refused Lord Shiva to marry her, he got enraged and started Tandav – the dance of death. It indicated the destruction of the universe. This form of Lord Shiva is also known as Mahakaal.

• Temple Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – 456006
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (4 AM to 11 PM)
• Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (57 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Ujjain Junction (2 Km)

Divine Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga: Ultimate guide

4. Omkareshwar 

Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated on an Om-shaped island called Shivapuri, located on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. The name Omkareshwar refers to the Lord of the Om Sound. The Omkareshwar temple is a stunning three-story structure supported by large pillars made of intricately engraved granite stone. There are two main temples of Lord Shiva here, one to Omkareshwar, located on the island, and one to Mamleshwar, located on the south bank of the Narmada River on the mainland. Mamleshwar here is related to the lord of the immortals. Most devotees visit Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in a single trip because they are both 150 km apart. If you are planning to visit any of these Jyotrilingas, make sure to visit both. Legend: According to Hindu belief, this jyotirlinga symbolizes how Sage Agastya reduced the pride of the Vindhya Mountains. It is said that a conflict arose between the Devas (gods) and the Danavas (demons). The Devas prayed to Lord Shiva for victory, and pleased with their prayers, Lord Shiva manifested as Omkareshwar to assist them. For more details about Omkareshwar Jyotirling, click here!

• Temple Location: Ward No 11, Khandwa – Indore Road, Ashok Nagar,   Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh – 450554
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (5 am–9:30 pm)
• Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (85 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Khandwa Junction (70 km)

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5. Vaidyanath / Baba Baidyanath

Baba Baidyanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India. This temple complex consists of the main temple of Baba Baidyanath, where the Jyotirlinga is enshrined, as well as 21 other temples.  A large number of devotees visit to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. During the month of Shravan, many devotees participate in an annual pilgrimage known as the Kanwar Yatra, where they collect holy water from the Ganga to pour it on the Jyotirlinga. Legend: Once, the demon king Ravana worshiped Shiva and asked Shiva to visit Lanka. Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Shivalinga and instructed Ravana not to set it down anywhere until he reached Lanka.  Accepting the condition, Ravana started his journey to Sri Lanka. En route, Lord Vishnu intervened in the form of Jaldevta and persuaded Ravana to keep the shivling at rest for some time. Hence, Ravana forgot the condition and kept the Shiva lingam down. Since then, Shiva resides as Vaidyanath in Deoghar town.

• Temple Location: Shankar Road, Shivganga Muhalla, Deoghar, Jharkhand 814112
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily in Two Shifts (4 AM to 3:30 PM and from 6 PM to 9 PM)
• Nearest Airport:  Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Airport (8 km)

Nearest Railway Station: Jasidih Junction (8 km)

6. Bhimashankar 

Bhimashankar is the sixth jyotirlinga and the most popular among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is located where the Bhima River, the largest tributary of the Krishna River, originates. Located on the hills of the Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra, this Maratha-style (Nagara architectural pattern) temple is made of black stone. Along with religious significance, the area also offers many scenic spots. Legend: In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva once assumed an angry form and defeated the tyrannical demon Bhima, turning him to ashes. He then settled in this place as a jyotirlinga.

• Temple Location: Shivtirth, Shree Kshetra Bhimashankar, Nigdale, Maharashtra – 410509
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (4:30 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM)
• Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (105 Km)

Nearest Railway Station: Karjat Junction (147 km) Dive into the full story of Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga—click to know more!

7. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

This beautiful Dravidian-style temple is located in a small town, which is situated on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu. Rameshwaram holds the 7th position among the sequence of 12 jyotirlingas. According to traditional belief, to show reverence to Lord Shiva, devotees have to take a holy bath in the twenty-two water bodies present in the temple complex and then worship the jyotirlinga. The best time to visit Rameswaram is during the winter season. During the winter, Rameshwaram offers fun activities, including scuba diving and bird watching. Legend: Ramanathaswamy Temple has two jyotirlingas, one made by Lord Rama and another brought by Hanuman from Kashi. It is said that the Jyotirlinga brought by Hanuman is a replica of the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga.

• Temple Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (5 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM)
• Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (177 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Rameswaram Railway Station (1.5 km)

Check out comprehensive detail about Ramanathaswamy Temple

8. Nageshwar 

Nageshwar is one of the most powerful Jyotirlinga temples in India, known for its ability to protect devotees from all types of poisons, particularly snake venom. The temple is built from pink stone, and the idol enshrined is that of Dakshinamurti. According to Hindu beliefs, visitors are only allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum to worship or perform Abhishek on the linga with the permission of the local priest, who is dressed in traditional attire. Within the temple grounds, a large statue of a seated Shiva can be seen from a considerable distance. Legend:  According to the Shiv Purana, Lord Shiva defeated a demon named Daruka and his army to rescue his devotee Supriya, who had been imprisoned. The body of Shiva was covered in snakes during the battle, therefore, he is called Nageshwar.

• Temple Location: Daarukavanam, Gujarat 361345
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (5 AM to 9 PM)
• Nearest Airport: Jamnagar Airport (127 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Dwarka Junction (16 km)

9. Kashi Vishwanath

According to the Dwadash Jyotirling Stotram, Kashi Vishwanath holds the 9th position in the list of 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India. The Jyotirlinga, situated in Varanasi, attracts millions of devotees annually.  According to Indian history, the temple was looted several times because it was made of pure gold. Devotees from all around the world visit here to worship Lord Shiva. Legend: According to the Shiva Purana, once Brahma and Vishnu argued about their supremacy. To test them, Lord Shiva transformed himself into an endless pillar of light and asked them to find its end. While Lord Brahma artfully lied to claim he had found the end, Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat. This turned Lord Shiva furious and cursed Bramha that he wouldn’t be revered by Hindus, whereas Vishnu, for his honesty, will be worshiped. Shiva’s light pierced the Earth at twelve locations, known as the 12 jyotirlingas, one of which is Kashi Vishwanath.

• Temple Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (2:30 AM to 11 PM)
• Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction (5 Km)

10. Trimbakeshwar 

The temple holds significant religious importance as it is one of the four Hindu cities where the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. The temple is located on the banks of the River Godavari, near Brahmagiri Mountain, Nasik. This holy temple is renowned worldwide for its distinctive shape. The three pillars describe the three most powerful and supreme Gods, namely, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. It is said that a temple was constructed at the site where Lord Rama performed the shraddha ceremony for his ancestors. Legend: A rishi named Gautam and his wife lived on the Brahmagiri hill. He had a boon that he and his wife won’t ever suffer from famine. This made other rishis jealous of him. They sent a cow to his barn to ruin his reputation. After some time, the cow died, and everyone labeled him as a cow murderer. To be free from the false accusation, he started a penance and asked Lord Shiva to let the river Ganga flow through his ashram to purify it. Lord Shiva granted the wish. Rishi Gautam then requested Lord Shiva to reside there, and hence God emerged in the form of Trimbakeshwar.

• Temple Location: Shrimant Peshwa Path, Trimbak, Maharashtra 422212
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (6 am–9 pm)
• Nearest Airport: Nashik Airport (50 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Nasik Road (38 Km)

11. Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple is a renowned Jyotirlinga in India, situated in the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in the state of Uttarakhand. It is also a significant part of the Chota Char Dham yatra, commonly known as Kedarnath Dham. The temple of Lord Shiva was built in Kedarnath by the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata. However, the construction date is not mentioned in ancient literature; however, it is believed that the temple is more than 3,000 years old. Generally, due to harsh climatic conditions, the temple remains closed for 6 months. Legend: Lord Shiva agreed to stay at Kedarnath on the request of Nara-Narayana. After the Kurukshetra War, the Pandava brothers came to Kedarnath to meet Lord Shiva, following the sage Vyasa’s advice, to seek forgiveness for killing their kin during the war. However, Lord Shiva denied forgiving Pandavas and turned into a bull, and burrowed among the cattle on the hill. When the Pandavas tried to catch the bull, it escaped by immersing itself head-first into the ground. One of the Pandav brothers, Bhima, clutched his tail, forcing him to appear and forgive them. Thus, the Pandava brothers then made the first temple at Kedarnath.

• Temple Location: Garhwal Himalayan range, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445
• Temple Opening Hours: Based on climatic conditions (4 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (254 Km)

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12. Grishneshwar 

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is considered the last Jyotirlinga among the twelve. The meaning of this jyotirlinga is referred to as the lord of compassion. The Grishneshwar temple is constructed with beautiful red and black stones. It is a 5-story temple constructed in the Shikhara style, also known as the mountain peak style. You can admire the magnificent carvings of Vishnu’s Dashavatar on the walls. Additionally, in the central court hall, a large Nandi Bull stands, symbolizing purity and justice. The temple is located in the Verul village near the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ellora Caves. The temple is also known as the Dhushmeshwar Temple. Legend: Once, there was a devoted woman named Kusuma, who was a firm believer in Lord Shiva. Every day, she would worship 101 lingas and immerse them in a nearby lake as part of her prayers. However, her husband’s first wife, who was also her sister, became jealous of her. In a fit of rage, she tragically killed Kusuma’s son. A heartbroken and depressed Kusuma continued worshipping Lord Shiva. Pleased by her prayers, Shiva restored her son’s life. Shiva asked her to take another boon. At her request, Shiva manifested Himself there as the Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga.

• Temple Location: NH 211, Verul, Maharashtra – 431102
• Temple Opening Hours: Daily (5:30 AM to 9:30 PM)
• Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport (41 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station (34 Km)

Now that you know about the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, aren’t you eager to visit them in person and seek moksha? Take a pilgrimage to these sacred shrines and receive Lord Shiva’s blessings as soon as you can. Want a hassle-free experience? Book our package to explore all the Jyotirlingas with ease. With this package, you can visit every Jyotirlinga temple in India comfortably.  [sc name=”chardham-package-india”] So, book your package today to visit these holy sites.

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FAQs

Q1. What are the 12 Jyotirlingas, along with their names and locations? Ans: There are 12 Jyotirlingas located all over India. They are: Somnath in Gujarat, Bhimashankar in Maharashtra, Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh, Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath in Jharkhand, Nageshwar in Gujarat, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, and Grishneshwar in Maharashtra, Mallikarjuna in Andhra Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. Q2. Which is a powerful Jyotirlinga in India? Ans: Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most powerful Jyotirlingas located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This jyotirlinga is known for its spiritual significance, liberation (moksha), and rule over the universe. Q3. Which is the oldest Jyotirlinga? Ans: In Hinduism, the Somnath Jyotirlinga located in Patan, Gujarat, is considered the oldest Jyotirlinga in India. Q4. Which Jyotirlinga was never destroyed? Ans: Baidyanath Jyotirlinga is the only Jyotirlinga in India that has never been destroyed.  Q5. What happens when you visit all 12 Jyotirlingas? Ans: Visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas is believed to cleanse the soul, remove sins, and grant liberation (moksha). By devoting yourself to Shiva, you will find spiritual growth, inner peace, and fulfillment of all your desires. Q.6 How many days are required to visit the 12 Jyotirlinga? Ans: If you plan to visit all the Jyotirlingas in India, you should allocate a minimum of 15 to 20 days for the trip. The 12 Jyotirlingas are located in different states, so you will need to travel extensively. To explore each one properly, it’s advisable to set aside at least 20 days.